
Sibahle Collection dolls are gaining a reputation as the dolls your children should have if you want them to be confident about who they are and what they look like.
Whether intentionally or not, these dolls are different from the ones that were available to children even two decades ago, when Barbie (and her counterparts) all looked very much alike – long, flowing blonde hair, blue eyes and a petite frame.
The latest Sibahle Collection doll, which will be launched soon, has a skin condition called vitiligo.
According to Vitiligo Support International, vitiligo is a common, genetic, autoimmune skin disease in which there is loss of pigment from areas of the skin resulting in irregular white spots or patches.
“The skin has normal texture. Vitiligo may appear at any age. Although it is a progressive condition, many people experience years or decades without developing new spots,” the organisation explains.
READ MORE: Beyond vitiligo
The new doll will be called Ndanaka which means “I am beautiful” in the Zimbabwean language Shona.